Garage Door Cable Drum Replacement
Garage Door Cable Drum Replacement: Ensuring Smooth and Safe Door Operation with Fix-It Garage Door Repair
The cable drum is an essential part of your garage door system, playing a crucial role in lifting and lowering the door smoothly. If your garage door cable drum becomes damaged, starts to slip, or cracks, it can disrupt the entire operation of your garage door and pose serious safety risks.
At Fix-It Garage Door Repairs, we specialise in garage door cable drum replacement, ensuring that your door continues to function properly and safely.
In this article, I’ll explain the role of the cable drum, the signs that it needs repair or replacement, and how we handle garage door drum repair and torsion pole issues.
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What is a Garage Door Cable Drum?
A garage door cable drum is a round component that sits at both ends of the torsion pole (also known as the torsion shaft). These drums wind up the cables as the door opens, lifting the garage door panels from the bottom. The cable drum ensures that the garage door stays balanced by rolling the steel cables on the left and right sides evenly. When you open or close your garage door, the torsion springs wind and unwind, turning the torsion pole, which in turn rotates the cable drums. The spring is actually doing 90% of the lifting via the torsion pole/cable drum/cables working together. A garage door weighs around 150KG. The motor opener is really just guiding things along. Most motors only lift around 20KG.
If the cable drums are damaged or start to slip, the door won’t lift properly, and the cables can become uneven, leading to potential safety hazards like the door coming off its tracks or falling unexpectedly or the cables coming off. Th
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Common Issues with Garage Door Cable Drums
Garage door cable drums can experience wear and tear over time, especially if the door sees heavy use.
Here are some of the most common issues that can occur with cable drums and may require repair or replacement:
1. Slipping Cable Drums
One of the most common issues with cable drums is that they can start to slip on the torsion pole. This usually happens when the set screws on the drums become loose or the drums themselves wear down over time. When the drum slips, the cables don’t wind up properly, causing the door to lift unevenly or not at all.
2. Cracked Cable Drums
Garage door cable drums are often made from die-cast steel, which can crack under excessive load or stress. A cracked drum can no longer wind the cables properly, and the door may become stuck or fall off its tracks. Cracked cable drums are a serious issue that should be addressed immediately to prevent damage to the rest of the door system or injury.
3. Excessive Load on the Cable Drum
Sometimes, if the cable has been subjected to excessive load, it can put too much stress on the cable drum. This can happen if the cables are not aligned properly or if the door’s balance is off. The added strain can cause the drum to crack or slip, affecting the entire operation of the garage door.

4. Bent Torsion Pole
If the cable drum is under excessive strain for a prolonged period, it can also cause the torsion pole to bend. Since the cable drums sit around the torsion pole, any bend in the pole will affect how the drums wind the cables. A bent torsion pole can lead to misalignment, uneven lifting, and additional wear on the cables and drums. In some cases, torsion pole replacement is necessary to restore proper function.
4 Steps to Fix Your Garage Door!
Professional assessment
We begin by asking you a series of simple questions to determine the issue with your cable drum on your garage door. This helps us quickly identify whether it's a minor fix/replacement or something more complex.
Competitive rates
Once we understand the problem, we provide you with a detailed over the phone quote that outlines the exact price to repair your garage door. We offer a 90 day warranty on labour.
Guaranteed satisfaction
After you approve the quote, we’ll arrange a convenient time for our technician to visit your home. We work around your schedule to ensure minimal disruption.
We warrant all labour
Our qualified technician will come to your location and either repair or replace the broken or damaged cable drum.
The Importance of Garage Door Cable Drum Replacement
Garage door cable drums play a critical role in lifting the door evenly and smoothly from the bottom. If the drums are damaged or not functioning correctly, it can cause significant operational issues and create safety risks.
Here’s why timely replacement is crucial:
1. Prevent Uneven Lifting
When the cable drum slips or cracks, the cables can’t wind up evenly, which causes the garage door to lift unevenly. This can lead to the door becoming misaligned, stuck, or even falling off its tracks. Replacing the damaged cable drum ensures that the door lifts smoothly and safely.
2. Avoid Further Damage
A damaged cable drum can put extra strain on other components of your garage door system, such as the cables, torsion springs, and tracks. By replacing the cable drum promptly, you prevent further damage to these parts and avoid more costly repairs.

3. Ensure Safe Operation
A malfunctioning cable drum can cause the door to become unstable, which is a serious safety risk. If the cables are not winding properly, the door may fall or get stuck, leading to potential injury or damage. Replacing the cable drum restores balance and safety to the entire system.
The Garage Door Cable Drum Replacement Process
At Fix-It Garage Door Repair, we follow a precise process to ensure that your cable drum replacement is done safely and effectively.
Here’s what you can expect when you book a garage door drum replacement with us:
1. Inspection and Diagnosis
We begin with a thorough inspection of your garage door system, focusing on the cable drums, torsion pole, cables, and springs. This allows us to determine whether the issue lies with the drum, the torsion pole, or other components. If we find that the cable drum is slipping or cracked, we’ll recommend a replacement. We’ll also check for any signs of a bent torsion pole, which may need to be replaced if it’s affecting the drum’s performance.
2. Removing the Old Cable Drums
Once we’ve identified the issue, we’ll safely release the tension from the torsion springs, allowing us to remove the old, damaged cable drums. This step requires professional handling, as the torsion springs are under significant tension and can be dangerous if not handled correctly. We will also most likely recommend replacement of the end bearing bracket. The end bearing bracket is attached to the wall above the door and has a bearing with a hole large enough for the torsion pole to fit through. The end bearing bracket helps the torsion pole rotate smoothly (these typically costs around $40 for a pair)
3. Installing New Cable Drums
We install high-quality replacement cable drums that are designed to fit your specific garage door system. These new drums will ensure that the cables wind up evenly, restoring smooth operation to your garage door. We’ll also check that the new drums are securely fastened to the torsion pole to prevent any slipping in the future.
4. Torsion Pole Replacement (If Necessary)
If the torsion pole has been bent due to excessive load on the cable drum, we may need to replace the torsion pole as well. This ensures that the new cable drums operate smoothly without further strain on the system.
5. Final Testing and Adjustment
After the new cable drums (and torsion pole, if necessary) are installed, we’ll test the door’s operation to ensure everything is working properly. We’ll check for smooth and even lifting, proper tension in the cables, and ensure that the door opens and closes without any issues.
Preventing Future Roller Issues
Regular maintenance can help prevent future issues with your garage door cable drums.
Here are some tips to keep your system in good condition:
- Inspect the drums regularly: Look for signs of cracking or slipping and address any issues before they become more severe.
- Ensure proper spring tension: Make sure the torsion springs are adjusted correctly, as improper tension can put excess load on the cable drums.
- Schedule annual maintenance: Having your garage door serviced by a professional at least once a year can help identify and fix issues before they lead to significant damage.
Why Choose Fix-It Garage Door Repair?
While DIY repairs can save money, certain garage door issues—especially involving springs—can be dangerous to fix or attempt fixing yourself. If you’re not comfortable or confident in performing repairs, it’s best to hire a professional garage door repair service in Perth.
Licensed and Professional Garage Door Fix-It Experts You Can Trust
When you book with us, you’re booking a fully licensed and qualified technician who will provide you with a fixed service time for your garage door repair, so you can plan your day with ease.
Our head technician is a Licenced Electrician!
Our technicians arrive with vans fully stocked with high-quality tools and parts, ensuring we implement the best possible solution for your garage door problem.
We also offer free quotes with no call-out fees or hourly rates. If no work is required, there will be no charge!
Garage door cable drum replacement is essential for maintaining the smooth and safe operation of your garage door. Whether your cable drum is slipping, cracked, or damaged due to excessive load, Fix-It Garage Door Repair is here to help. Our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose the problem and provide professional replacement services, ensuring your door functions properly and safely.
Contact us today for expert cable drum replacement, torsion pole repairs, and other garage door services.
Experienced Technicians
Our team is made up of highly trained professionals with years of experience in garage door repair. We know how to identify and fix even the most complicated issues.
High Quality Parts
We only use the best quality parts for all of our repairs, including genuine manufactured parts where possible. This ensures that your garage door will continue to function properly for years to come.
Fast and Reliable Service
We understand that a broken garage door can be a major inconvenience. That’s why we offer fast and reliable service to get your door back in working order as quickly as possible.
Affordable Pricing
We confirm pricing before we show up by going through over the phone what the problem is.
Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Professionals have the tools and training to handle these repairs safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes garage door cable drums to crack?
Cable drums can crack due to excessive load, wear and tear, or improper tension in the torsion springs. If the door is unbalanced or the cables are not winding properly, it can put additional strain on the cable drums, leading to cracking.
Can a bent torsion pole be repaired?
In most cases, a bent torsion pole will need to be replaced. A bent pole can cause the cable drums to misalign and affect the overall operation of your garage door. Replacing the torsion pole ensures proper function and prevents further issues.
What happens if my rollers fall out of the tracks?
If the rollers fall out of the tracks, the door can become misaligned or even fall, posing a serious safety hazard. Replacing worn-out rollers before they reach this point can prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
How much will it cost to replace a cable drum?
Cable drums cost between $80 to $120 (Labour installation is over and above this)
For professional garage door cable drum replacement and repair services, trust Fix-It Garage Door Repair in Perth to provide fast, reliable solutions. Contact us today to keep your garage door running smoothly!
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